7 Expert Azul Strategies Every Beginner Must Know to Win Every Game

Introduction: Master the Game of Azul

Azul is a visually stunning game of skill and strategy, but as a beginner, it can feel overwhelming. You’re constantly trying to collect the right tiles while outmaneuvering your opponents. The big question is: How do you score more points and avoid penalties? Whether you’re playing with family, friends, or a competitive group, winning Azul consistently comes down to strategy.

In this post, we’ll share 7 beginner-friendly strategies that will elevate your gameplay and put you on the path to becoming a true Azul master. These strategies are perfect for anyone starting out and will give you the upper hand in your next game.

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1. Focus on Completing Rows Early

Why it’s Important: Completing rows is one of the most efficient ways to earn points in Azul.

• How to do it: Start by focusing on completing horizontal rows. When a row is completed, you earn bonus points, and more importantly, you avoid penalties. The earlier you can complete rows, the fewer tiles you’ll have to worry about at the end of the game.
• Example: If you’re collecting blue tiles, don’t wait too long to complete the top row. This not only gives you bonus points but also prevents you from wasting blue tiles at the end.

Pro Tip: Prioritize filling in rows that are easy to complete based on your available tiles. This early setup can lead to quick wins.

2. Block Your Opponents by Taking Key Tiles

Why it’s Important: Azul isn’t just about scoring; it’s also about preventing your opponents from scoring.

• How to do it: Keep a close eye on what tiles your opponents need. If you see that they’re one tile away from completing a row, take that tile to block them.
• Example: If your opponent is collecting red tiles to finish their row, and you know there’s a red tile left in the center, take it before they do. This simple move will disrupt their strategy and prevent them from scoring.

Pro Tip: Block strategically. Don’t just take tiles to annoy others—make sure you can use them in your own game plan, too.

3. Don’t Let Penalties Build Up

Why it’s Important: In Azul, every tile you can’t use at the end of the round counts as a penalty, and those points can add up quickly.

• How to do it: Plan your moves to minimize unused tiles. If you’re nearing the end of a round and have extra tiles, place them wisely in your row or discard them strategically.
• Example: If you have extra tiles left over after completing a row, don’t just leave them. Place them in your floor line to avoid penalties. Just make sure that it doesn’t result in unnecessary points for your opponent later.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the last few moves to solve the penalty issue. Address it early to avoid costly mistakes.

4. Build Multiple Rows at Once

Why it’s Important: By building multiple rows at the same time, you ensure you’re always progressing on the board, which boosts your chances of completing more rows and earning bonus points.

• How to do it: Choose tiles that work across multiple rows and avoid focusing on just one row. For example, select tiles that are needed for both the first and second row.
• Example: If you’re working on the blue tiles for the top row, try to also collect blue tiles for the second row. By doing this, you’re giving yourself more opportunities to complete rows early.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the color balance on your board. Don’t get too fixated on one row at the expense of others.

5. Use the Floor Line Wisely to Avoid Overcrowding

Why it’s Important: The floor line is where unwanted tiles go, and it’s where penalties can quickly accumulate.

• How to do it: Place tiles in the floor line only when absolutely necessary. Don’t overload the floor line, as each tile can cause a penalty at the end of the round.
• Example: If you can’t place a tile in any row, it’s better to place it in the floor line strategically rather than waste it on an incomplete row. But remember—don't flood the floor line unless you’re planning to use those tiles.

Pro Tip: It’s better to have a few tiles in the floor line rather than leaving them scattered across the board. Control it, and you’ll avoid penalty disasters.

6. Track Tile Colors for the Future

Why it’s Important: Planning ahead is crucial in Azul. By tracking which tiles will be available in the future, you can plan your moves in advance.

• How to do it: Keep an eye on what tiles your opponents are collecting and what’s left in the central factory. If you’re constantly aware of the upcoming tiles, you’ll make smarter choices.
• Example: If you see that there are several yellow tiles remaining in the center, and you have a spot to place them in the upcoming rounds, collect them early.

Pro Tip: Always look at the central factory before making your move. The more information you have, the better your choices will be.

7. Use the Last Round to Fill Up Your Board

Why it’s Important: The final round can be the game-changer. You want to make sure you fill in any gaps on your board before the game ends.

• How to do it: In the last round, start focusing on filling in the remaining spots on your board, even if it means sacrificing some strategy.
• Example: If you have a single tile missing on a row, use the last round to fill it in and complete that row. This will earn you more points at the end of the game.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your opponents during the last round. If they’re close to completing a row, aim to complete your own first.

Conclusion: Become a Master at Azul

Winning at Azul doesn’t have to be daunting. By implementing these 7 beginner strategies, you’ll quickly start winning more games and become a seasoned player. From focusing on completing rows early to strategically blocking your opponents, these tips will set you on the path to Azul mastery.

Remember, practice makes perfect—so take these strategies to your next game and see how much you improve. Are you ready to become an Azul champion?